Everything That Has Happened With Nia Long and Ime Udoka Post-Cheating Scandal

Image via Getty/Paul Archuleta

When: September 2022

News broke that Udoka was suspended from coaching the Celtics for the entire 2022–23 NBA season after it was revealed that he had a consensual, improper relationship with a team staffer. He later released a statement addressing the situation.

“I want to apologize to our players, fans, the entire Celtics organization, and my family for letting them down,” Udoka said at the time. “I am sorry for putting the team in this difficult situation, and I accept the team’s decision. Out of respect for everyone involved, I will have no further comment.”

When: September 2022

Shortly after her fiancé was suspended as the head coach for the Celtics, Long released a statement addressing the scandal. She thanked fans for their endless support amid the troubling subject matter.

“The outpouring love and support from family, friends and the community during this difficult time means so much to me,” Long told Us Weekly. “I ask that my privacy be respected as I process the recent events. Above all, I am a mother and will continue to focus on my children.”

When: December 2022

Long discussed Udoka’s scandal in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. During the conversation, Long opened up about having her family drama aired out in the public eye.

“I think the most heartbreaking thing about all of this was seeing my son’s face when the Boston Celtics organization decided to make a very private situation public,” Long said. “It was devastating, and it still is. He still has moments where it’s not easy for him. If you’re in the business of protecting women—I’m sorry, no one from the Celtics organization has even called to see if I’m OK, to see if my children are OK. It’s very disappointing.”

When: December 2022

People reported that the longtime couple called it quits after 13 years together, adding that they are focused on co-parenting their son Kez. “The situation is unfortunate and painful, but Nia is focusing on her children and rebuilding her life,” an insider explained.

When: February 2023

In her cover story for The Cut, Long continued to open up about how she felt about the Boston Celtics franchise as a whole and their role in making her family drama public. "The Celtics made a choice to make my family business public, and I don’t understand why," she explained. 

She continued, "It could’ve all been handled internally. I do understand why, but I can’t talk about it. Maybe one day I will. You know, fear drives stupidity, and I’ll leave that right there. I’ve learned that I’m stronger than I ever thought I was.”

Later in the conversation, Long once again opened up about the possibility of dating after ending her 13-year relationship. She revealed that several suitors have come forward since her split from Udoka.

“I want to go out and have amazing, important, deep, thoughtful conversations,” she said. “I want to travel. I want to laugh. I want to cook with my kids and listen to music. I want a good glass of wine. I want a good goodnight kiss. Everything else will have to show itself as being that. I’m just trying to enjoy the moment.”

When: April 2023

Following his suspension as head coach of the Boston Celtics, Udoka was hired as the head coach of the Houston Rockets in April. During his first press conference with the team, Udoka reflected on his affair. 

"I released a statement months ago when everything happened and apologized to a lot of people for the tough position I put them in," he said. "I stand by that. I feel much more remorse even now towards that."

He added, "I spent this last offseason working on myself in a lot of different ways, improving in areas, and it gave me a chance to sit back, reflect and grow. And I think that'll make me a better coach and overall a better leader. The matter has been resolved."